U.S. patent application number 17/450768 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-14 for image forming apparatus and storage medium.
This patent application is currently assigned to Konica Minolta, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Konica Minolta, Inc.. Invention is credited to Masayuki Yasukaga.
Application Number | 20220113916 17/450768 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-04-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220113916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yasukaga; Masayuki |
April 14, 2022 |
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND STORAGE MEDIUM
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes: an image former that forms
an image on a sheet; and a hardware processor that: generates,
based on setting information of post processing performed on the
sheet, adjustment image data that includes identification
information identifying each of a plurality of adjustment items of
the post processing; and causes the image former to form, based on
the adjustment image data, an adjustment image on the sheet.
Inventors: |
Yasukaga; Masayuki; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Konica Minolta, Inc. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Konica Minolta, Inc.
Tokyo
JP
|
Appl. No.: |
17/450768 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2021 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 14, 2020 |
JP |
2020-173053 |
Claims
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image former that
forms an image on a sheet; and a hardware processor that:
generates, based on setting information of post processing
performed on the sheet, adjustment image data that includes
identification information identifying each of a plurality of
adjustment items of the post processing; and causes the image
former to form, based on the adjustment image data, an adjustment
image on the sheet.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
identification information includes a line image of a different
color for each of the adjustment items.
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
hardware processor displays, on a display, a setting screen that
displays a correspondence between a setting value and each of the
adjustment items.
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
identification information includes the setting value and a name of
each of the adjustment items.
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising: an operation interface that receives a user operation
to adjust the setting value.
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
hardware processor automatically adjusts the setting value based on
a preset condition.
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the
hardware processor generates the adjustment image data that
includes an auxiliary line for adjusting the setting value.
8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
post processing includes cutting, and the hardware processor
generates the adjustment image data that includes the
identification information formed on a portion of the sheet
excluding a portion corresponding to a cut piece to be discarded by
the cutting.
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each
of the adjustment items is for adjusting a post processing
position, and the adjustment image includes an image indicating a
direction of increasing or decreasing the setting value.
10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
hardware processor generates image data by overlaying the
adjustment image data on specified image data.
11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a post processor that performs the post processing on
the sheet on which the image former forms the adjustment image.
12. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a
program that causes a computer of an image forming apparatus
including an image former to execute: generating, based on setting
information of post processing performed on a sheet, adjustment
image data that includes identification information identifying
each of a plurality of adjustment items of the post processing; and
causing the image former to form, based on the adjustment image
data, an adjustment image on the sheet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.
2020-173053 filed on Oct. 14, 2020 is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus
and a storage medium.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] The image forming apparatus enables various processes of
post processing such as stapling, punching and cutting, by
connecting finisher options. The contents of the processes of post
processing are generally set to the print job.
[0004] In the above image forming apparatus, when the proof
printing function is used to the print job to which the post
processing was set, the set post processing is performed to the
outputted product.
[0005] There is also known a system which includes a bulk
specifying means for specifying multiple post processing methods in
bulk in a trial post processing setting UI screen when a trial post
processing mode is set, and which can perform multiple trial
printing and trial post processing by once performing the setting
without repeatedly performing the sequence of "setting, printing
and then post processing" (see JP 2008-152472 A).
[0006] In JP 2008-152472 A, the post processing is actually
performed for a trial. However, when the cutting is set and the
cutting is actually performed in the post processing, for example,
the user does not know where the cut piece was originally located
(was it at the top right or bottom left of the paper before
cutting, etc.). Thus, it may be difficult to check the quality of
post-processing after performing fine adjustment.
[0007] The above matters are further difficult to know particularly
when the post processing setting has many setting items of position
adjustment.
SUMMARY
[0008] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an
image forming apparatus and a storage medium storing a program that
can facilitate checking adjustment results to the post processing,
and facilitate adjustment.
[0009] An image forming apparatus reflecting one aspect of the
present invention is an image forming apparatus including a
hardware processor that: generates adjustment image data including
identification information for individually identifying multiple
adjustment items to post processing performed on a sheet based on
setting information of the post processing; and causes an image
former to form an adjustment image based on the adjustment image
data on the sheet.
[0010] A storage medium reflecting one aspect of the present
invention is a non-transitory computer readable storage medium
storing a program that causes a computer of an image forming
apparatus including an image former which forms an image on a sheet
to execute: data generating that is generating adjustment image
data including identification information for individually
identifying multiple adjustment items to post processing performed
on the sheet based on setting information of the post processing;
and controlling that is causing the image former to form an
adjustment image based on the adjustment image data on the
sheet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The advantages and features provided by one or more
embodiments of the invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinafter and the appended
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are
not intended as a definition of the limits of the present
invention, and wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an
image forming system;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a control
structure of the image forming system;
[0014] FIG. 3 is the processing flow of an image forming apparatus
1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a post processing
position adjustment screen at the time of cutting the sheet into
two pieces;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a specific example (Example 1) of a preview image
of a cutting position at the time of cutting the sheet into two
pieces;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a profile creation
screen at the time of cutting the sheet into two pieces;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a specific example (Example 2) of a preview image
of a cutting position at the time of cutting the sheet into two
pieces;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a specific example (Example 3) of a preview image
of a cutting position at the time of cutting the sheet into two
pieces; and
[0020] FIG. 9 is a specific example (Example 4) of a preview image
of a cutting position at the time of cutting the sheet into two
pieces.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the
scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments
or the illustrated examples.
[0022] [Configuration]
[0023] The configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according
to one or more embodiments will be described first.
[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the image forming
apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus main body 100, a
relay unit RU, a post processing unit 200 and a finisher FS.
[0025] The image forming apparatus main body 100
electrophotographically forms a color image based on image data
that is obtained by reading an image of an original or received
from an external device.
[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the image forming
apparatus main body 100 includes an operation interface 11, a
display 12, a document reading unit 13, an image former (or an
image forming device) 14, a sheet feeder 15, an image formation
controller (hardware processor) 16, a storage 17, a controller IF
(Interface) 18 and an image processor 19.
[0027] The operation interface 11 includes a touch panel covering a
display screen of the display 12, number buttons, and various
operation buttons such as a start button. The operation interface
11 outputs an operation signal to the image formation controller 16
based on a user operation.
[0028] The operation interface 11 functions as a user adjuster. To
be specific, the operation interface 11 is able to adjust (or
receive a user operation to adjust) the values of a cutting
position adjustment amount g13 and an input field g21 in a post
processing position adjustment screen G1 (see FIG. 4) and a profile
creation screen G2 (see FIG. 6) to be described later.
[0029] The display 12, which includes a liquid crystal display
(LCD), displays various screens according to an instruction of a
display signal from the image formation controller 16. For example,
the display 12 displays the post processing position adjustment
screen G1 (see FIG. 4) and the profile creation screen G2 (see FIG.
6)
[0030] The document reading unit 13, which includes an automatic
document feeder (ADF), a scanner and the like, reads an image of an
original to obtain image data and outputs the image data to the
image formation controller 16.
[0031] The image former 14 forms an image on a sheet fed from the
sheet feeder 15 based on image data that has been processed by the
image processor 19.
[0032] The image former 14 includes photosensitive drums 141Y,
141M, 141C, 141K corresponding respectively to colors of yellow
(Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K), an intermediate transfer
belt 142, a secondary transfer roller 143, a fixer 144, a density
sensor 145, a reverser 146, and the like.
[0033] The photosensitive drum 141Y is uniformly charged and
thereafter scanned and exposed by a laser beam based on yellow
image data so that an electrostatic latent image is formed. Then,
yellow toner is allowed to attach to the electrostatic latent image
on the photosensitive drum 141Y so that the image is developed.
[0034] The photosensitive drums 141M, 141C, 141K work similarly as
the photosensitive drum 141Y except that the respective colors are
different, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0035] The toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 141Y,
141M, 141C, 141K are sequentially transferred onto a rotating
intermediate transfer belt 142 (primary transfer). That is, a color
toner image in which toner images of four colors are superimposed
is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 142.
[0036] The color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 142
is collectively transferred onto a sheet by a secondary transfer
roller 143 (secondary transfer).
[0037] The fixer 144 includes a heating roller for heating the
sheet on which the color toner image has been transferred, and a
pressure roller for pressing the sheet. The fixer 144 fixes the
color toner image to the sheet by heat and pressure.
[0038] The reverser 146 includes a reversing path (switchback path)
that reverses the sheet to which fixing has been performed by the
fixer 144 and conveys the sheet to the secondary transfer roller
143. In the image forming apparatus 1, the sheet is reversed by the
reverser 146 when the image formation is performed on both sides of
the sheet. When the image formation is performed on only one side
of the sheet, the sheet is conveyed to the relay unit RU without
being reversed by the reverser 146.
[0039] The sheet feeder 15, which includes sheet feeding trays T11
to T13, feeds sheets to the image former 14. In each of the sheet
feeding trays T11 to T13, sheets with predetermined sheet type and
size are stored.
[0040] The image formation controller 16 includes a CPU, a ROM and
a memory.
[0041] The CPU reads out various processing programs stored in the
ROM and integrally controls the operation of the components of the
image forming apparatus main body 100 according to the programs.
When post processing is performed on an output sheet, the CPU
outputs an instruction to the post processing unit 200 to execute
predetermined post processing.
[0042] The ROM, which includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory
and the like, stores various processing programs, parameters for
executing the programs, files and the like.
[0043] The memory, which includes a dynamic random access memory
(DRAM) and the like, temporarily stores various data such as
programs and image data relating to various image processing.
[0044] When setting information of post processing which is
included in the print job or setting information of post processing
which was set by a user operation from the operation interface 11
is transmitted, the image formation controller 16 determines post
processing to be executed at after-mentioned post processing
modules M1 to M4 and finisher FS. The image formation controller 16
as a data generator generates adjustment image data corresponding
to the determined post processing.
[0045] The image formation controller 16 as a controller causes the
image former 14 to form an adjustment image based on the adjustment
image data.
[0046] The adjustment image data is image data for forming the
adjustment image that has identification information for
individually identifying multiple adjustment items to post
processing on the basis of the setting information of post
processing performed to the sheet as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 to 9
(at the time of cutting the sheet into two pieces).
[0047] The image formation controller 16 as a display controller
causes the display 12 to display various screens. To be specific,
for example, the image formation controller 16 causes the display
12 to display the post processing position adjustment screen G1
(see FIG. 4) for displaying the correspondence between adjustment
items and setting values, the profile creation screen G2 (see FIG.
6) and the like.
[0048] The image formation controller 16 as an automatic adjuster
automatically measures and adjusts the error with respect to the
setting value of the cutting position by scanning, with the
document reading unit 13, the image (see FIG. 8) which is dedicated
for automatic adjustment and has an auxiliary line g17 for
adjusting the cutting position and the like that are together
printed thereon.
[0049] The above auxiliary line g17 for adjusting the cutting
position and the like are generated by the image formation
controller 16.
[0050] The storage 17 is a non-volatile storage device such as a
hard disk drive (HDD) or a semiconductor memory for storing various
data such as programs and image data. The storage 17 stores data
such as programs and various setting data in a manner readable and
writable by the image formation controller 16. For example, the
storage 17 stores profile data regarding the cutting.
[0051] The controller IF 18 receives image data input from an
external device.
[0052] The image processor 19 performs necessary image processing
on image data stored in the storage 17, image data obtained by the
document reading unit 13 reading an image of an original, or image
data input from an external device. The image processor 19 then
sends the processed image data to the image former 14. Such image
processing includes gradation processing, halftone processing,
color conversion processing and the like. The gradation processing
is to convert the gray level of each pixel in image data to a
corrected gray level so that the density characteristic of the
image to be formed on a sheet matches a desired density
characteristic. The halftone processing is error diffusion
processing, screen processing by ordered dithering or the like. The
color conversion processing is to convert of RGB levels to CMYK
levels.
[0053] The relay unit RU, which is disposed between the image
forming apparatus main body 100 and the post processing unit 200,
has a function of synchronizing with the conveyance speed of a
sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body 100.
[0054] The post processing unit 200 performs post processing on a
sheet that is output from the relay unit RU, according to need.
Examples of such post processing include slitting, bleed slitting,
CD cutting, creasing, FD/CD perforating and the like. The post
processing unit 200 performs post processing only when instructed
by the image forming apparatus main body 100. When there is no post
processing to be performed, the post processing unit 200 simply
conveys the received sheet to the finisher FS.
[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the post processing
unit 200 includes a conveyer 210, post processing modules M1 to M4
(cutters), a purge tray T1 to which a sheet purged from the post
processing unit 200 is ejected, a card tray T2 to which a sheet cut
in the size of a business card or the like by the post processing
unit 200 is ejected, and a post processing controller 220.
[0056] The conveyer 210 conveys a sheet received from the relay
unit RU to the post processing modules M1 to M4. The conveyer 210
further conveys the sheet on which post processing has been
performed in the post processing modules M1 to M4 to one of the
trays (purge tray T1, card tray T2) or the finisher FS.
[0057] The conveyer 210 includes: a straight conveyance path 211
having a skew correcting function of correcting skew of a sheet
heading to the post processing module M1; a long sheet unit 212
having a CD (sheet width direction) adjusting function of adjusting
the position of a long sheet heading to the post processing module
M1 in the sheet width direction by making the long sheet take a
detour; a reverse ejection path 213 for reversing a sheet (up to
regular size) after post processing by the post processing modules
M1 to M4 and ejecting the reversed sheet to the finisher FS; a
two-way path 214 that serves as a sheet ejection path for ejecting
a sheet to the purge tray T1 as well as a reverse path for
reversing the sheet (up to regular size); and a long sheet unit 215
as a reversing path for reversing a long sheet after post
processing by the post processing modules M1 to M4.
[0058] The post processing modules M1 to M4 perform post processing
on a received sheet. The post processing modules M1 to M4 perform
post processing on a sheet when a part of the sheet is in a space
path (the reverse sheet ejection path 213, the two-way path 214 or
the long unit 215).
[0059] The post processing controller 220 includes a CPU, a ROM and
a memory.
[0060] The CPU reads out various processing programs stored in the
ROM and integrally controls the components of the post processing
unit 200 according to the programs. For example, the CPU
communicates with the image formation controller 16 of the image
forming apparatus main body 100 and controls the post processing
modules M1 to M4 to perform post processing based on a profile
which was set in advance.
[0061] The finisher FS has a function of stapling, folding,
punching, and the like for a sheet on which an image has been
formed.
[0062] The post processing modules M1 to M4 and finisher FS
function as a post processor (or a post processing unit).
[0063] [Operation]
[0064] Next, the operation of image forming apparatus 1 according
to one or more embodiments will be described.
[0065] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation executed
by the image forming apparatus 1. This processing is executed in
response to a trigger that the operation of instructing to start
the post processing position adjustment has been performed via the
operation interface 11 or the like. As an example of post
processing, cutting a sheet into two pieces will be described.
[0066] When the processing starts, the image formation controller
16 first causes the display 12 to display the post processing
position adjustment screen G1 (FIG. 4). The user can set the
contents of the profile regarding cutting before executing the
print job by using this screen.
[0067] The post processing position adjustment screen G1 shown in
FIG. 4 is a screen mainly used by a serviceman that performs
maintenance and the like of the image forming apparatus 1.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, on the post processing position
adjustment screen G1 at the time of cutting the sheet into two
pieces, a cutting type g11 (adjustment item), a line image g12
indicating the cutting position, a cutting position adjustment
amount g13 (setting value), and a cutting position adjustable range
g14 for each cutting type, a test print button B11 to perform test
print, an OK button B12, a cancel button B13, cutting position
adjustment buttons B14 and the like are displayed.
[0069] The line image g12 indicating the cutting position is shown
by a different color for each cutting type g11.
[0070] When the test print button B11 is pressed, the image
formation controller 16 causes the image former 14 to perform image
formation based on the adjustment image data, and causes the post
processing modules M1 to M4 and finisher FS to perform the post
processing.
[0071] When the OK button B12 is pressed, the image formation
controller 16 causes the storage 17 to save the various setting
values regarding post processing as default setting.
[0072] When the cancel button B13 is pressed, the image formation
controller 16 ends the processing without causing the storage 17 to
save the various setting values regarding post processing as
default setting.
[0073] When the cutting position adjustment button B14 is pressed,
the image formation controller 16 increases/decreases the cutting
position adjustment amount g13.
[0074] Thus, the operator can manually adjust the cutting position
adjustment amount g13 by using the cutting position adjustment
button B14 and the like on the post processing position adjustment
screen G1 shown in FIG. 4.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 3, the image formation controller 16
generates adjustment image data for forming the adjustment image as
shown in FIG. 5 on the basis of the setting information of the
cutting position adjustment amount g13 shown in FIG. 4 via the
operation interface 11 (step S1).
[0076] The adjustment image based on the adjustment image data
generated in step S1 is displayed as a preview image on the display
12.
[0077] To be specific, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the cutting
position for each cutting type on the sheet is shown on the preview
image of the cutting position at the time of cutting the sheet into
two pieces displayed on the display 12 of the image forming
apparatus main body 100. The dotted line shows each cutting
position g16. On the dotted line, a thick line (line image g12
showing cutting position) of the color corresponding to the cutting
type g11 is drawn as identification information.
[0078] Thus, it is easy to check, on the preview screen, which
cutting position corresponds to which cutting type.
[0079] Since the identification information is shown by the thick
line, when test print is performed and the sheet is cut, the color
of thick line remains at each cutting position of cut piece and
test print product, and it is easy to know which cutting position
to adjust.
[0080] As the identification information, the cutting type g11, the
cutting position adjustment amount g13 and the adjustment direction
g15 may be displayed on the sheet. The color of frame surrounding
the identification information may be the color of line image g12
showing the cutting position.
[0081] Thus, which cutting position should be adjusted can be
easily known without referring to the setting screen (post
processing position adjustment screen G1, after-mentioned profile
creation screen G2). Furthermore, it is possible to recognize the
quantitative cutting position adjustment amount at a glance.
[0082] If the test print button B11 shown in FIG. 4 is pressed via
the operation interface 11 (step S2: YES), the image formation
controller 16 causes the image former 14 to form the adjustment
image on the sheet on the basis of the adjustment image data
generated in step S1 (step S3).
[0083] Thereafter, the post processing modules M1 to M4 and
finisher FS perform post processing on the sheet on which the image
was formed in step S3 on the basis of the setting information of
post processing (step S4).
[0084] The operator then checks the test print product and changes
the setting values as needed.
[0085] If the setting values are not adjusted (step S5: NO), the
image formation controller 16 determines whether the OK button B12
shown in FIG. 4 was pressed via the operation interface 11 (step
S6).
[0086] If the image formation controller 16 determines that the OK
button B12 shown in FIG. 4 was pressed via the operation interface
11 (step S6: YES), the image formation controller 16 saves various
setting values regarding the post processing as default setting in
the storage 17 (step S7), and the processing ends.
[0087] In step S2, if the test print button B11 shown in FIG. 4 is
not pressed via the operation interface 11 (step S2: NO) but the OK
button B12 is pressed (step S8: YES), the image formation
controller 16 saves the various setting values regarding the post
processing as the default setting in the storage 17 (step S9) and
ends the processing.
[0088] In step S8, if the OK button B12 shown in FIG. 4 is not
pressed (step S8: NO), but the cancel button B13 is pressed (step
S10: YES), the image formation controller 16 ends the
processing.
[0089] In step S10, if the cancel button B13 shown in FIG. 4 is not
pressed (step S10: NO), the image formation controller 16 proceeds
to step S2 again.
[0090] In step S5, if the cutting position adjustment amount g13
shown in FIG. 4 is adjusted via the operation interface 11 by the
operator (step S5: YES), the image formation controller 16 proceeds
to step S1 again.
[0091] In step S6, if the OK button B12 shown in FIG. 4 is not
pressed (step S6: NO), and the cancel button B13 is pressed (step
S11: YES), the image formation controller 16 ends the
processing.
[0092] In step S11, if the cancel button B13 shown in FIG. 4 is not
pressed (step S11: NO), the image formation controller 16 proceeds
to step S5 again.
[0093] Next, the profile creation screen G2 (FIG. 6) and variations
of preview image (FIGS. 7 to 9) will be described by using an
example of a case where the post processing is cutting the sheet
into two pieces.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 6, the profile creation screen G2 at the
time of cutting the sheet into two pieces includes: an input field
g21 for inputting data to setting items regarding the cutting; a
creation completion button B21 for instructing completion of
inputting data regarding each item; a delete button B22 for
deleting input of data regarding each item; and a test print button
B23 to perform test print. The set cutting positions and the like
are displayed as an image IM resembling the sheet that is displayed
in the left portion of the profile creation screen G2.
[0095] The profile creation screen G2 shown in FIG. 6 is a screen
that is mainly used by the user. That is, the profile creation
screen G2 is used when the user performs test printing. The profile
creation screen G2 is used when the job to be printed is already
created and then the user attempts to perform trial printing.
[0096] Thus, the serviceman performs default adjustment (adjustment
in the post processing position adjustment screen G1), and each
user can perform fine adjustment (adjustment in the profile
creation screen G2).
[0097] In the above description of flowchart, the post processing
position adjustment screen G1 shown in FIG. 4 is used. The flow
when using the profile creation screen G2 shown in FIG. 6 is
similar to the flow performed when using the post processing
position adjustment screen G1 shown in FIG. 4. In the case of
profile creation screen G2 (FIG. 6), the following matters are
replaced.
(1) The operation of instructing to start the post processing
position adjustment is replaced with the operation of instructing
to start the profile creation. (2) The cutting position adjustment
amount g13 is replaced with the values of input field g21. (3) The
test print button B11 is replaced with the test print button B23.
(4) The OK button B12 is replaced with the creation completion
button B21. (5) The cancel button B13 is replaced with the delete
button B22.
[0098] The image forming apparatus 1 of embodiments described above
includes an image formation controller 16 that: generates
adjustment image data including identification information for
individually identifying multiple adjustment items for post
processing performed on a sheet based on setting information of the
post processing; and causes an image former 14 to form an
adjustment image based on the adjustment image data on the
sheet.
[0099] Thus, since the adjustment item is identified by checking
identification information even after performing post processing,
it is possible to facilitate checking the adjustment results to the
post processing and facilitate the adjustment.
[0100] Furthermore, the identification information includes a line
image of a different color for each of the adjustment items. Thus,
the adjustment item can be identified by the color of line image,
and it is possible to facilitate checking the adjustment results to
the post processing and facilitate the adjustment.
[0101] Furthermore, the image formation controller 16 displays, on
a display 12, a post processing position adjustment screen G1 and a
profile creation screen G2 each as a setting screen that displays
correspondence between the adjustment items and setting values.
[0102] Thus, since the correspondence between the adjustment items
and the setting values can be known in the setting screen, it is
possible to facilitate checking the adjustment results to the post
processing and facilitate the adjustment.
[0103] Furthermore, the identification information includes a name
of each adjustment item and the setting value. Thus, it is possible
to more facilitate checking the adjustment results to the post
processing and facilitate the adjustment.
[0104] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an
operation interface 11 that adjusts the setting value by a user
operation. Thus, the operator can easily perform desired
adjustment. Alternatively, the image formation controller 16 can
automatically adjust the setting value based on a preset
condition.
[0105] Furthermore, the adjustment item is an item for which a post
processing position is adjusted, and the adjustment image includes
an image indicating an adjustment direction by increase and
decrease of the setting value. Thus, it is possible to facilitate
checking the adjustment results to the post processing and
facilitate the adjustment.
[0106] Though the present invention has been specifically described
on the basis of the embodiments, the present invention is not
limited to the above embodiments, and modifications can be made
within the scope of the invention.
[0107] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the image formation
controller 16 may generate adjustment image data showing the name
of cutting type (value of input field g21) and the like near the
cutting position g16.
[0108] Thus, the adjustment for each cutting type can be performed
easily.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 8, the image formation controller 16 may
generate the adjustment image data including the auxiliary line g17
for adjustment. When automatic adjustment is performed with a
scanner or the like, the image dedicated for automatic adjustment
may be printed.
[0110] Thus, it is possible to check the setting value and the
value of actual cut and adjust the cutting position. To be
specific, in a case of drawing the auxiliary line g17 to have a
distance 2 cm away from the cutting position, the test print
product is visually checked after test printing was performed. If
there is an error not having the distance of 2 cm, it is possible
to manually adjust the setting value. It is also possible to
perform adjustment by scanning the image dedicated for automatic
adjustment and automatically measure the error to the setting
value.
[0111] To be specific, in step Si of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3,
the image formation controller 16 can add the auxiliary line g17
for adjusting the cutting position (FIG. 8) to the adjustment image
data.
[0112] In the case where the auxiliary line g17 for adjusting the
cutting position (FIG. 8) is added to the adjustment image data in
step S1, the following adjustments are also possible in step S5 of
the flowchart shown in FIG. 3.
[0113] For example, the error to the setting value of the cutting
position is automatically measured to perform adjustment by
scanning, with the document reading unit 13, the test print product
(see FIG. 8) dedicated for automatic adjustment on which the
auxiliary line g17 for adjusting the cutting position and the like
are printed together.
[0114] For example, the test print product (see FIG. 8) on which
the auxiliary line g17 for adjusting the cutting position and the
like are printed together are visually checked and the error to the
setting value of the cutting position is manually adjusted.
[0115] The image formation controller 16 may generate image data
obtained by overlaying the adjustment image data on the specified
image data which was specified by the image formation controller
16, the user operation, or the like.
[0116] To be specific, as shown in FIG. 9, the image data is data
of an image obtained by combining the line image g12 and cutting
position g16 indicating the cutting position as the adjustment
image based on the adjustment image data, with the image to be
printed (image based on the specified image data) g18.
[0117] Thus, it is possible to easily perform adjustment by
recognizing whether the cutting position overlaps the image or not
and which type of cutting overlaps the image.
[0118] Instead of scanning, with the document reading unit 13, the
image (see FIG. 8) dedicated for automatic adjustment on which the
auxiliary line g17 for adjusting the cutting position and the like
are printed together, a reading device may be provided to the
conveyor 210 at a position after the post processing modules M1 to
M4 and finisher FS so that the cutting position of sheet and the
auxiliary line g17 and the like are automatically read and compared
with the adjustment image data, and the error of the cutting
position to the setting value is measured and adjusted.
[0119] The identification information may be shown by numbers. To
be specific, No. 1 indicates the first time correction of CD
cutting position, for example.
[0120] The type of line indicating the cutting position is not
limited to the dotted line.
[0121] The thick line of the identification information may have
any thickness as long as the cut piece and the test print product
have thickness which can be visually checked after the cutting.
[0122] The identification information may be a mark corresponding
to the cutting position of the cut piece and test print product. To
be specific, a circle mark is printed around the cutting position
of the cut piece and a circle mark is printed around the
corresponding cutting position of the test print product. In this
case, the dotted line indicating each cutting position may be on
ends of the thick line since it is not necessary to leave the color
of thick line indicating the cutting position on the cut piece and
the test print product.
[0123] For example, the portion corresponding to the cut piece
discarded by the cutting may be excluded from the target of
printing. Accordingly, the identification information is not
printed on the cut piece discarded by the cutting, which
facilitates checking the adjustment results to the post processing
and facilitates the adjustment.
[0124] The above embodiments show an example of cutting the sheet
into two pieces. However, the present invention can be applied to
quadruple cutting, multiple cutting, business card size cutting and
the like.
[0125] The identification information is not limited to one cutting
position. To be specific, in the case of moving two cutting
positions by one parameter (one side fixed, adjustment by width,
and the like), same identification information may be provided to
two cutting positions.
[0126] Though identification information indicates the cutting
position in the above embodiments, the identification information
is not limited to the cutting position. To be specific, the
identification information may indicate positions of stapling,
punching and the like.
[0127] Though the above embodiments have a configuration including
the image formation controller 16 and the post processing
controller 220, one of them may control the entire image forming
apparatus 1.
[0128] Although the disclosure has been described with respect to
only a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art,
having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that various
other embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope
of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention
should be limited only by the attached claims.
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